I love spring!

There's just something about waking from hibernation and getting out and enjoying all that Robinson and the surrounding communities have to offer.

April is a busy month for the studio located near Robinson, IL, and the spring fun begins with photos of this week's dress rehearsal of Lincoln Trail College's production of "Peter Pan."

Set to open April 10, the show features 38 area performers who have spent the last two months singing, learning lines and choreography, and, in some cases, learning to fly.

Under the direction of Theater Director Barb Shimer, the production is sure to entertain audiences of all ages.

I have photographed these productions year after year. Each time, I'm always amazed by what Barb and her crew of "Lost Boys" come up with to delight crowds. 

In light of this, when she told me the college would be performing "Peter Pan" in the spring and that Peter Pan would actually fly, I just shook my head. If someone could figure out how to make flying across the stage happen, it would be Barb and special effects genius Larry Quick.

I've pumped Barb a few times about the flying mechanism, where they got it, and how it works. It's actually pretty straight-forward.

Am I going to share that information here?

No way. The illusion is too fun - and this production will be too.

Make sure you check it out, as well as the accompanying character events. For tickets to character events, call 618-544-8657, ext. 1433.

“Pizza with Pan!” 
Friday, April 17
10 p.m. (or after the Friday night performance) 
Monical’s Pizza

"From the 'Forum' to Neverland" Breakfast
Sunday, April 19
9 a.m.
Tuscany Grill